Recommendation 1
Can it be ensured that the programme for the ‘new build’ and the subsequent increase to full capacity is given priority?
Source · IMB Annual Report
Kirklevington Grange
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Kirklevington Grange is a Category D open prison operating in a year significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. The report highlights the prison's successful management of the pandemic, leading to a safe environment, high ROTL success, and good healthcare provision. Key concerns include reduced operational capacity, delays in new accommodation, issues with property transfers, and difficulties with prisoners obtaining debit cards, alongside an altered perception of the open regime due to restrictions.
Year: 2021
Published: 30 May 2022
Type: Prison · Cat D open prison
Recommendations: 5
Key concerns
Positive findings
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 1 | 0 |
| Self-harm incidents | 2 | — |
| ACCT cases opened | 13 | 7 |
| Prisoner assaults | 7 | 3 |
| Assaults on staff | 1 | 0 |
| Use of force | 4 | 3 |
| Drug finds | 47 | — |
Positive findings
AI-generated summaryThe Governor and staff effectively managed Covid-19, resulting in low infection rates, no absconds, and a high ROTL success rate. The prison is well-run, offering a positive experience for most. Healthcare provision is good, often exceeding community standards, with improved waiting times and high vaccination rates. The reducing reoffending team is commended for providing skills and employment opportunities, ensuring prisoners are adequately prepared for release with accommodation. There has been increased investment in infrastructure, improving living conditions. Staff-prisoner relationships are positive, and the chaplaincy team is valued. Educational and vocational efforts continued despite restrictions, with a successful football foundation twinning project and appreciated library services.
Key concerns
The operational capacity was reduced significantly though the closure of three accommodation units. This reduction in category D capacity deprived other prisoners in the estate the opportunities provided at Kirklevington Grange.
When prisoners arrive, it is often the case that not all their property arrives with them, and outstanding property often goes missing in transit, causing issues for the prisoner.
There are still ongoing issues with obtaining debit/credit cards for prisoners.
Prisoners’ perceptions that 'if we complain we will be returned to closed conditions'.
New admissions feeling Kirklevington Grange does not feel like a category D establishment due to Covid-19 restrictions and the perimeter fence.
Covid-19 restrictions did result in an increased waiting time for group sessions and outside appointments, which in a lockdown situation can lead to increased anxiety and agitation.
Video calls were not particularly successful at Kirklevington and caused some frustrations to prisoners and staff with constant breakdowns and failures of the technology.
Woodwork did not reopen due to ongoing staff resource issues.
Recommendations
Recommendation 2
Are there plans to move to an electronic property management system? This could facilitate transfer between establishments and help reduce the volume of lost property.
Recommendation 3
To assist prisoners on release and facing financial issues, is this something that can be resolved [regarding obtaining debit/credit cards]?
Recommendation 4
We would like to see some means of dispelling this culture [prisoners’ perceptions that “if we complain we will be returned to closed conditions”].
Recommendation 5
We look forward to the change in attitude of prisoners [regarding the feeling that Kirklevington Grange does not feel like a category D establishment].
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 3 | 2 |
| Adjudications | 0 | 1 |
| Bullying/victimisation | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Discipline/segregation | 0 | 0 |
| Discrimination | 0 | 0 |
| Drug/alcohol treatment | 0 | 0 |
| Education/work | 0 | 0 |
| Facilities (general) | 0 | 0 |
| Finance | 0 | 0 |
| Food | 0 | 0 |
| Health care | 2 | 0 |
| Legal | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Property | 1 | 0 |
| Religious/cultural | 0 | 0 |
| Rotl/HDC | 0 | 0 |
| Staff behaviour | 0 | 1 |
| Threats to own safety | 0 | 0 |
| Visits (inc family) | 0 | 0 |
| Welfare | 0 | 0 |
Related inspections & investigations
Safety 4
· Respect 4
· Activity 4
· Release 4
Individual at Kirklevington Grange · Self-inflicted
Individual at Kirklevington Grange · Other non-natural
Individual at Kirklevington Grange · Natural causes
Other reports for Kirklevington Grange
· Self-harm 1
· Concerns
Population 200
· Self-harm 0
· Concerns
· Self-harm 2
· Concerns
Population 207
· Self-harm 4
· Concerns
Population 163
· Self-harm 1
· Concerns